Kathy's mom, Heddy Donovan, was best friends with Muriel Agnelli, mother of Bernie (Barbara VDL's husband), Joey, and Artie. Artie and Jim Von Der Linn were good friends, and both very mechanical. 

Muriel and her husband Joe owned property called Swiss Meadows, in the Berkshires near Williamstown, MA. The Donovans stayed there sometimes. Kathy and Jim met when Jim and Artie rode up on their motorcyles. He was smitten, but she wasn't ready for monogamy. She was only about 15! She dated a few other guys, including a football player, before choosing Jim.